Blindly Seeking the Blind: Assessing the Efficacy of an Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding Approach for the Detection of Subterranean CrayfishResearchers: Nathaniel Dean Sturm Surveys for cave fauna present unique challenges, as subterranean habitats often extend well beyond what surveyors can physically or safely access. These obstacles can be overcome through collection and analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) by providing information on occupying species without requiring extensive physical surveys and further anthropogenic disturbance of these delicate ecosystems. Funded in part by the 2019 SCCi Science Award. |
2021-12-22 |
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Determining erosion mechanisms in caves using 3D scanningResearchers: Max Cooper This study aims to constrain erosion mechanisms in caves. One approach to determiningThis study aims to constrain erosion mechanisms in caves. One approach to determiningmechanisms is to measure shear stress from scallops, and to measure erosion rate, aserosion can be modeled as a power law of shear stress with the exponent, a, related tomechanism [Whipple et al., 2000]. |
2019-08-20 |
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The effectiveness of four common sampling methods for terrestrial cave-dwelling invertebrates across an environmental gradient at two caves in AlabamaResearchers: Matthew L. Niemiller, K.Denise Kendall Niemiller The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and effectiveness of four sampling techniques commonly employed to detect and monitor terrestrial subterranean invertebrates while concurrently assessing the impacts of habitat (e.g., entrance, twilight, and dark zones) and seasonality. We continue to learn more about the distribution of obligate cave fauna, their evolutionary histories, and ecosystem dynamics from exploration and biological inventories. Collectively, these data can be used to prioritize species and populations for regional conservation and management efforts. However, knowledge of the efficiency and effectiveness of sampling protocols is critical when comparing data generated from different studies. |
2017-09-01 |
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Prehistoric Footprints in Jaguar CaveResearchers: Patty Jo Watson; Mary C Kennedy; Louise M Robbins; Ronald C Wilson About 4500 years ago, during the Late Archaic period, nine explorers reconnoitered several passages within a large cave in north central Tennessee. Although prehistoric cave explo- ration was not unusual in eastern North America, this particular trip is unique because 274 footprints of these ancient cavers are preserved in the damp floor sediment of a side pas- sage. Analyses of the route taken by the explorers, and of their footprint trail significantly enhance our knowledge of cave use in prehistoric eastern North America. |
2005-05-01 |
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